Transforming how Industry,
Universities and Research
Work Together

Supporting Optimisation of
Resource Operations
by developing New Technologies

Equipping Innovators
with the Skills and Knowledge
to Transform the Sector

James Cook University is partnering with the University of Queensland and Curtin University in the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Trailblazer.

The Trailblazer is part of the Australian Government’s Department of Education Trailblazer Universities Program.  

The purpose of the Trailblazer is to:

  • Commercialise university innovations and build lasting research and industry capability.
  • Accelerate innovation and industry technology readiness to build new pathways and groundbreaking ways of working.
  • Build sustainable university transformation to change the way industry-led research is embedded, facilitated, taught and rewarded.

The Trailblazer program drives engagement between universities and stakeholders from industry and education and provides funding support for:

 

Trailblazer Events

As part of the Trailblazer program the JCU team hosts events to promote engagement between the university and the resource sectors in industry and government.

 

Coming soon:

Trailblazer Research Showcase 2026

On 12 August 2026 JCU will host a Research Showcase to share  progress and results from JCU Trailblazer Research Projects. 

The Showcase will include research presentations, a poster display and networking opportunities.   It will be a free and open event, and we invite colleagues from industry, government and the wider community to join us. 

Registration for the Showcase is essential.   Please register here.

Past Events:

Research Showcase & University Transformation Session 2025

On the 5 and 6 of August 2025 EGRU hosted a Trailblazer Research Showcase and a University Transformation Session, featuring contributions from JCU staff and members of the Trailblazer Board and Management.

The 2025 Research Showcase and University Transformation Session was held on the JCU Bebegu Yumba campus in Townsville.  The Showcase and Transformation Session were open to all and  university, government and industry colleagues were invited to join us.

Programs for the two events are available here. 

 

Regional Trailblazer Showcase & Forum 2024

EGRU hosted the inaugural Regional Trailblazer Showcase & Stakeholder Forum in Townsville in September 2024. 

The event included representatives from industry, government and research and featured presentations from:

  • Queensland Minister for Resources and Critical Minerals
  • Critical Minerals Queensland Office
  • Queensland Department of State Development and Infrastructure
  • Queensland Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water
  • Queensland Resources Council
  • Resource Industry Professionals from Multi-Nationals, Local Companies, Consultancies
  • University Researchers

More…

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